Murray Bridge, Australia, Jun 20, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Rain came to Murray Bridge Friday after the community gathered with Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide the day before to pray for rain and bless the River Murray.
The rainfall relieved many of the farmers of southern Australia, who feared a drought would ruin their crop.

The entire community was represented at the Murray Bridge Community Club to celebrate the “Gift of Water.”

Students of St Joseph's Primary School presented performances, explaining the importance of animals to the river. Special guests included State Opposition leader Rob Kerin, Member for Hammond Peter Lewis, MP Gay Thompson and Murray Bridge councillor Ken Coventry.

"As a bishop who lives and works in the Murray Darling Basin, I am calling on all South Australians to acknowledge the life-giving gift of the River Murray," he reportedly said.

"While much work has been done to improve the health of the river system, we must ... ensure God's gift of water exists for generations to come."